The Be Focal Buy Local sector of Richland County Development Group (RCDG) hosted their first happy hour event at Red Fox Tavern on Wednesday night. The focus of the event was expanding participation in Be Focal Buy Local as well as providing a networking opportunity for members. Free burgers were provided by RCDG and a 50/50 raffle raised money to support the group’s efforts. Paul Smith, owner of the Happy Grape in Lexington, won the drawing and donated the prize to Be Focal Buy Local.
Be Focal Buy Local hopes to educate the community about the importance of spending their money locally whenever possible. If Richland County residents spend just 3.5 percent more locally rather than shopping online or out of town, it would infuse an additional $45 million into our local economy creating an additional $612,500 in increased tax revenue.
On a more personal level consider this, for every $100 spent at locally-owned merchants, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures.
Residents don’t have to drive to Cleveland or Columbus to find chic hot spots such as wine bars, for example. The Happy Grape opened in Lexington just under three years ago and their business is booming, so much so that they are opening a second location in Ashland this fall. When asked about the secret of their success, Jennifer Blue, general manager, said, “Live an inspired life and share it with others.” It’s a motto they sincerely take to heart. “It’s in our employee manual,” said Paul Smith, owner.
While bookstores, even big chains, are closing their doors, Mansfield’s Main Street Books is thriving. According to Llalan Fowler, store manager, “We pride ourselves in seeing customers as people, not algorithms. We care about creating community.” And their art over science approach includes a robust calendar of events with something to please every member of your family. Whether you’re a toddler or an aspiring writer, an avid reader or a poet, there is something fun for you to participate in at the book store.
Community is exactly the message that Be Focal Buy Local wants to share. This group isn’t about empty self-promotion, but rather about supporting one another. Quite literally, no one has more skin in the game than Jeff Kent, president of Swan Cleaners. Be Focal Buy Local is his brain child and he’s seen first hand the impact on not only his business, but more importantly the community at large. He believes in the group so much that he had the logo tattooed on his arm.
Be Focal Buy Local is a group open to anyone, business owners or caring community members. The next meeting is Wednesday, August 14, 7:30 a.m. at the Mansfield-Richland Area Chamber of Commerce building.
According to Llalan Fowler, store manager, “We pride ourselves in seeing customers as people, not algorithms. We care about creating community.”
